Fabrication of carbon foams with low thermal conductivity using the protein foaming method

Three-dimensional (3D) interconnected porous carbon foams made of delayed coke and mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) have been successfully fabricated using the protein foaming method. The structure, compressive strength and thermal conductivity were characterised. Carbon foams have porous structure of open cells and dense struts. The maximal density (0.43 g/cm(3)) and compressive strength (2.05 Mpa) of carbon foams were obtained at the MCMB concentration of 10 wt%. The thermal conductivity did not change till the concentration of MCMB over 15 wt% and as low as 0.26 W/m K at 100 degrees C. Therefore, these carbon foams have potential for use as the thermal insulator. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.